I Want You (Bob Dylan)

19 AUGUST 1966


Bob Dylan’s rather jaunty single ‘I Want You’ - one of five singles lifted from his 'Blonde on Blonde' album - was at its peak UK chart position of #16. It had reached #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

This was one of Dylan's more upbeat numbers, full of bouncing keyboard, melodic hooks, and a cast of surreal characters. I had, for many years, the vague impression that the 'dancing child in a Chinese suit' with 'time on his side' was a reference to Mick Jagger, but more informed opinion suggests it's Brian Jones. But then one of the joys of Dylan's writing around this time is trying to figure out what or who he is going on about with his impressionistic lyrics. Lovely stuff.

B-side: 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues' (live version)
Recorded: 10 March 1966
Released: 10 June 1966
Highest chart position: #16 (UK), #20 (US)
Length: 3:07 (album version), 2:54 (single edit) 
Label: Columbia
Writer: Bob Dylan
Producer: Bob Johnston

I Want You (Bob Dylan)